The Federal Court of Australia is part of a democratic system of government that has its foundations in the Australian Constitution - the document that helped bring the nation into existence in 1901. But just how does it work? This DVD attempts to explain - in simple terms - the difference between the three arms of government and how the courts operate at both a state and federal level.

Duration: 7 minutes
Date produced: 2005
Target audience: Court staff, students (secondary and tertiary), overseas visitors.

This DVD explains how a case travels through the Federal Court from the moment it is filed until the time it is finalised. It covers the progress of an application from filing to preparation for hearing, the actual hearing, and how the matter is concluded.

The court’s key focus is to resolve disputes through effective and timely case management.  It aims to deliver most judgments within three months of the conclusion of the hearing depending on complexity of the case and the pressure of other business.

Duration:10 minutes
Date produced: 2007
Target audience: Court staff, students, members of the legal profession.

This DVD explains the nature of judicial independence, what judges do, the impact of their decisions, public confidence in the judiciary and what would happen if Australia did not have judicial independence at the heart of its democracy.

Duration: 17 minutes
Date produced: 2007
Target audience: Court staff, students, members of the legal profession.

Duration: 7 minutes
Date produced: 2005
Target audience: Court staff, overseas visitors, students, members of the legal profession.

The Commonwealth Law Courts building in Adelaide has set a new bench mark in court house design on an international scale.
Consistent with the vision of the city's legendary founder, Colonel William Light, the building blends perfectly with its surroundings and provides a sense of well being for visitors. A unique feature is the imposing copper section that contains seven court rooms, the axis of which aligns with an important historical meeting place within Victoria Square for the indigenous Kauna people.

Duration: 9 minutes
Date produced: 2006
Target audience: Court staff, members of the legal profession, overseas visitors, architects.

The River Red Gum, or Karra in the language of the Kuarna People of the Adelaide Plains, is the most common tree of the rivers and streams of the Murray Darling Basin. Indigenous Australians used the tree to make canoes, weapons and shelters. Some of the trees had great spiritual significance. The early settlers used the River Red Gum to build wharves, railways and houses.
At the request of the Federal Court, the Commonwealth commissioned Gray Hawk to use River Red Gum to create the Bench, Bar table and paneling in the principal courtroom of the new Commonwealth Law Courts, Adelaide. This DVD shows how an artist, and master craftsman in timber, took an ancient tree and transformed it into inspiring furniture for one of Australia's important public spaces.

Duration: 6 minutes
Date produced: 2006
Target audience: Court staff, members of the legal profession, overseas visitors, architects.